Copper

 

 

Name Copper
Symbol Cu
Atomic Number 29
Atomic Mass 63.546 atomic mass units
Number of Protons 29
Number of Neutrons 35
Number of Electrons 29
Melting Point 1083.0° C
Boiling Point 2567.0° C
Density 8.96 grams per cubic centimeter
Normal Phase Solid
Family Transition Metal
Period 4
Cost $2.93 per kilogram

 

 

Origin of Name From the Latin word cuprium, referring to the island of Cyprus
Date of Discovery Known to the ancients
Discovered by Copper beads dating back to 9000 B.C. were found in Iraq
Common Compounds
Interesting facts
  • Pure copper rarely occurs in nature.
  • It is found in minerals such as azurite, malachite and bornite.
  • It is obtained by smelting, leaching or electrolysis.
  • Each year about 6,540,000 tons of copper is mined in the United States, Zaire, Zambia, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Russia and Australia.
Common Uses
  • Electrical conductors
  • Jewelry (clocks and watches)
  • Boat bottoms to keep them from sinking
  • Coins
  • Bronze art such as sculptures
  • The Statute of Liberty's skin is copper

 

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Chemical Elements
Environmental Chemistry
Jefferson Labs
Newton School


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